As a dog owner myself, I know first hand how hard it is to admit that our beloved furry pup is “aggressive”. I think because there is such negative connotation regarding aggression but also there are a lot of misunderstandings and misinformation in regards to what aggression is.
What Is Dog Aggression, Really?
If you allow me to get a bit “nerdy” I would like to quote a few definitions of aggression:
In his book Aggressive Behavior in Dogs: A Comprehensive Technical Manual for Professionals, James O’Heare defines aggression as “behavior that is intended to increase the distance between the aggressor and the target, or to cause the target to retreat.” He emphasizes that aggression is a functional behavior that serves to influence the behavior of others, often to gain or maintain access to resources or to avoid perceived threats.
Some of my favorite dog experts also add interesting aspects to the same concept. Dog aggression expert, Michael Shikashio, says that aggression encompasses various behaviors that may include barking and lunging to biting, and that understanding the context and triggers is crucial. So far we have “function” (James O’Heare) or the “what is the purpose of this behavior” and context (Michael Shikashio) or also “what is happening around the dog”. Zak George adds that aggression can stem from factors like anxiety or lack of training, this would be the “private motivators” (anxiety) or lack of an outlet or purpose. If you’re noticing these signs of aggression in dogs at home or in public, it’s important to understand that your dog isn’t “bad”—they’re communicating something. Understanding aggressive dog behavior is the first step toward helping your pup feel safe and supported.
Lastly, Victoria Stilwell emphasizes that aggressive behavior in dogs is often a response to fear or discomfort. And this is the cherry to this beautiful messy pie called “aggression”. Fear or discomfort, something that we can’t tell, or can we? Many cases of dog aggression due to fear are mistaken for dominance or bad behavior, which can make things worse instead of better.
Common Misunderstandings About Aggression
Dogs communicate with us all the time, and I feel that in our rushed lives in these modern digital fast times, we simply lost touch with their language and became desensitized to their unspoken words. With this I am not saying dogs were never aggressive, nor that dogs were more heard in the past. But rather that in this day and age we have the tools and know-how to build a great rapport with our dogs. If you’re wondering how to handle dog aggression, it begins with observation, patience, and positive reinforcement—not punishment.
Will this make the dogs less aggressive?
Yes and no. I don’t know for sure and literature does not support the “one answer fits all dogs” type of scenario, but what I do know from personal experience and from working with clients is that a dog that is being “heard and understood”, that is being given respect, and “safe zones” is a dog that will not recur in aggression as a first choice. Dog aggression training isn’t about eliminating behaviors overnight—it’s about long-term understanding and support.
Shed the stigma of “aggression”: how I work with aggressive dogs
I had to work really hard to shed the stigma off my self and my dog that being “aggressive” was not a good thing. In reality, we are all aggressive one way or another, so I asked myself “why is it okay for me to be aggressive at times but not okay for my dog” (provided that she does no harm nor do I, of course). The answer was easy: it is okay to be aggressive and it is also okay to want to work in order to lower that aggression, both in myself and in my own dog. Not with the expectation that she will never be aggressive but rather, with the expectation that I will learn to understand her well enough to prevent exposing her to triggers and to contexts where she feels the need to react. Also by gradually working towards helping her build a tolerance towards certain triggers and to also work a resilience to come back to a “good baseline” after reacting to a context or trigger. If your dog is aggressive toward other dogs or strangers, professional support can make a huge difference. Working with a certified trainer for aggressive dogs can provide you with structure and results.
What You Can Do Today
This all sounds good in paper, but how does it look like in real life? Unfortunately, this is where it gets tricky because once again, no dog is alike so the needs will vary. This is why I always advice to work with a certified positive reinforcement trainer or behaviorist. There are many options for aggressive dog training —just make sure the trainer uses science-based, fear-free methods. Whether you’re dealing with fear-based aggression or reactivity, understanding dog aggression is key to helping your dog thrive.
There’s no shame in having a dog who struggles. If you’re looking for guidance without judgment, reach out—let’s support your dog together.
